Thousands of people desperate to save six under-threat libraries in Croydon have lent their weight to the campaign by petitioning the council’s cabinet.

Councillors representing Norbury, Shirley, Broad Green and Sanderstead libraries handed petitions to cabinet member for culture Sara Bashford at Monday’s full council meeting.

Protestors in the public gallery also made their feelings known by unfurling a banner calling for Norbury library to be saved, and grilled Coun Bashford over the proposal to close the buildings.

Bradmore Green and South Norwood libraries are also listed as options for closure in the public consultation, which finishes on February 20.

Councillor Timothy Godfrey questioned the sense in potentially cutting almost half the borough’s libraries to save just £619,000 from the £9m library budget.

Labour councillors proposed a debate calling on council leader Mike Fisher to guarantee to listen to weight of public opinion and keep all the libraries open.

It was amended by Coun Bashford on legal advice from the council to guarantee the cabinet would listen to the weight of public opinion in reaching their decision.

The motion was passed 35 votes to 30.

Upcoming meetings

Shirley Library Public Meeting. Shirley Parish Hall, Wickham Road. Wednesday, February 2 at 7pm.

South Norwood Library Public Meeting. Stanley Halls, South Norwood Hill. Thursday, February 3 at 7pm.

Sanderstead Library Public Meeting. Sanderstead United Reformed Church Hall, Sanderstead Hill. Wednesday February 9 at 7pm.